Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon has said that the education budget will be increased in the future, but stressed that proper planning is essential in deciding how and where the funds will be spent.
He made the remarks on Saturday while speaking as chief guest at a seminar held at Rajshahi Polytechnic Institute, organised on the occasion of a regional Skills and Innovation Competition.
The minister said the education budget is expected to grow in the coming years, but effective utilisation of funds will depend on identifying key areas that require investment. “There is no alternative to setting the right priorities in expenditure to ensure quality education,” he said.
Placing emphasis on technical and vocational education, he described it as a major driver of national development and urged stakeholders to give the sector greater importance. “Technical education must not be overlooked; rather, it should lead the way in bringing about a new phase of development,” he added.
During the programme, the minister held an interactive session with students and teachers, seeking feedback on challenges in the education system. Students highlighted issues such as irregular classes, delays in examinations and inconsistencies between curriculum and syllabus.
Responding to the concerns, the minister said identifying these gaps is essential to improving standards and ensuring effective learning outcomes.
He also underscored the importance of accountability, noting that all stakeholders-including the ministry, teachers and officials-must be responsible for improving the education system.
“Ministers may come and go, but accountability remains,” he said, stressing the need for collective efforts to strengthen education and build a skilled workforce.
Others present at the seminar included Technical and Madrasa Education Division Secretary Md Daud Mia, Director General of the Directorate of Technical Education Abul Khair Md Akkas Ali, Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner ANM Bazlur Rashid and Principal of Rajshahi Polytechnic Institute Abu Hanif.
